If you’re a fan of the Jungle Bird, chances are that you’re somewhat familiar with the name Jeffery Ong, one of the country’s most iconic bartender.
If you’re a fan of the Jungle Bird, chances are that you’re somewhat familiar with the name Jeffery Ong, one of the country’s most iconic bartender.
The Malaysian, who recently passed on, was the one who created this iconic drink and has helped put our country on the drinking map, to a certain extent.
According to Thirst Magazine, the drink was initially served as Hilton KL’s welcome drink back when it opened in July 1973.
And the drink earned its name because it’s served in a bar with a bird viewing area.
The original Jungle Bird consists of Jamaican dark rum, Campari, Pineapple Juice, lime and simple syrup but in true cocktail style, many a bartender has added their own twist to the iconic drink.
Here are 11 bars in KL where you can get a Jungle Bird and drink in honour of the legend himself.
1. Jungle Bird KL
Sit back, relax and enjoy cocktails made from over 100 different types of rums and other spirit categories at the Jungle Bird KL. Being a part of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018, this bar serves really delicious cocktails in a homey and welcoming environment.
Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, the Jungle Bird KL is a tropical rum house with locally made rattan furniture, bamboo and lush rainforest print wallpaper.
Ladies night is on every Thursday night with two specially created rum cocktails! Priced at only RM2 from 9pm till late (while stocks last), proceeds received from these cocktails are donated to a designated charity of the month.
What’s It Called: Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Diplomatico Mantuano (a Venezuelan rum), Campari, Pineapple juice, Lime juice and sugar syrup
Hours: Sundays-Wednesdays: 5pm-1am; Thursdays-Saturdays: 5pm-3am
Address: 15M Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Jungle Bird KL
Tel: 03-2011 5715
2. Botakliquor
Botakliquor is your friendly neighborhood bar located in Petaling Street. Designed by the owner himself who is an architect, the interior of this space flourishes with herbs and indoor plants.
Open from 5.30pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, their naturally lit place seems like the perfect place to drink and chill before the sun sets.
Their Jungle Bird is garnished and made with our local flower the Bunga Kantan which is also known as the torch ginger. Infused into the Banks 5 Island Rum, this flower adds a distinctive taste to the depth of this rum distilled in 5 islands in the Caribbeans.
Combined with campari, calamansi lime and fermented pineapple soda, this sounds like a really refreshing spritzy drink.
What’s It Called: The Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Bunga Kantan-infused Banks 5 Island Rum, Campari, calamansi lime and fermented pineapple soda
Hours: Wednesdays-Thursdays: 5.30pm-1am; Fridays-Saturdays: 5.30pm-2am; Sundays: 5.30pm-11pm
Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Website: Botakliquor
Tel: 03-2022 1100
Update: Botak Liquor has informed us that the rum used in their cocktail is distilled in the Caribbeans and not in Singapore, as previously mentioned.
3. PS150
Located below the ever famous Merchant’s Lane cafe, PS150 is the first cocktail bar in Chinatown. We heard they have Jungle Bird inspired drinks called the Rumble in The Jungle (Tropical and bitter-sweet) and the Guo Nian (Spiced and bitter-sweet).
If you’re craving more Tiki classics, try their Saya Saya cocktail! Inspired by the Aku Aku which is a Polynesian drink, it has dark rum, Mezcal, passion fruit puree, Loomi Hibiscus tea and lime shaken with egg whites for a delicious tropical treat.
What’s It Called: Rumble in The Jungle/Guo Nian
What’s In It: Tuak, curry leaves, Gula Melaka syrup and a toasted coconut & pandan-infused dark rum / Jujube Gin, Campari, Mandarin Liqueur, Roselle, Lime, Pineapple, Blue Pea Pickled Snow Fungus, Pop Rocks
Hours: Sundays-Mondays: 6pm-1am; Tuesdays-Saturdays: 6pm-2am
Address: 150 Jalan Petaling, Ground Floor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: PS150KL
Tel: 03-7622 8777
4. Omakase+Appreciate
When one drinks here, its like dining in one of those Japanese Omakase dining places—your orders are customised to fit your experience. Hidden in an office basement behind a steel door that tells you to keep out, is a small intimate space that could probably fit about two dozen people at any given time.
Besides visiting bartenders, they’ve got two resident bartenders, Shawn and Karl who have their own specialties so be sure to chat with them before getting your drink on!
What’s It Called: Tarik The Bird
What’s In It: Thai tea-infused dark rum, campari, pineapple essence, citrus syrup
Hours: Tuesdays-Fridays: 5pm-1am; Saturdays: 9Ham-1am (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Address: Bangunan Ming Annexe, 9, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Website: Omakase + Appreciate
Tel: 03-2022 2238
5. THREE X CO
We’re hands down loving the vibes of THREE X CO’s drinks. From classy margarita glasses to charming we-use-these-at-home mugs, they make such amazing photos as seen on their Instagram feed.
And if you’re feeling under the weather but your friends still insist on drowning you with liquor, they look homey enough to send it to your mom as a “I’m staying home tonight” text.
For example, served in the printed mug is their Eastern Poem cocktail. Chrysanthemum gin, Pei Pa Kor, and Ginseng. Now is this a cocktail or a traditional remedy?
Their Jungle Bird spin off doesn’t “rum” (pun intended) too far from the home remedy recipe vibe either. 😉
What’s It Called: Burung Malaya
What’s In It: Plantation Dark Rum, Homemade Guinness Amaro, Ananas, Honey, Lemon
Hours: Mondays-Saturdays: 5pm-2am (Closed on Sundays)
Address: Bangsar Shopping Centre Jalan Maarof, Taman Sa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: THREE X CO
Tel: 019-336 6031
6. Kenshin
Enter a world of whiskies, crafted cocktails, wines and sakés at Kenshin. Located in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, this bar is your zen escapade from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
They even have a coffee Gin and Tonic if you need a quick pick-me-up before an evening of socialising and drinking. 😉
What’s It Called: The Jungle Man
What’s In It: Ron Zacapa 23, Sweet Vermouth, Pineapple Wine, Jackfruit Spice Puree, Calamansi
Hours: Mondays-Fridays: 5pm-3am; Saturdays: 7pm-3am (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 03A Ground Floor, The Intermark, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Kenshin KL
Tel: 03-2181 2861
7. The Bowling Club
Taking a break from the dark, gloomy and mysterious speakeasies, we have The Bowling Club KL. Situated in the Intermark KL, this is a lively sports bar with a Retro Dining concept.
With it’s bright and airy interior, this looks like the perfect place for brunching with a cheeky cocktail.
What’s It Called: The Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Rum, Pineapple juice, Sugar, Lime, Campari
Hours: Mondays-Sundays: 11am-1am
Address: Intermark Mall, Lot G-19, G Floor, 348, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: The Bowling Club
Tel: 03-2181 1268
8. The Rum Bar
Bet you didn’t expect Changkat to have a cocktail bar amidst its neighbourhood of loud clubs blasting trance, did you?
In The Rum Bar, their bartenders are given the opportunity to experiment and create beautiful and delicious cocktails. And their rum-based cocktails sure look tempting!
Take a break from the noisy ambiance and be transported into paradise with their tropical jungle-inspired cocktail, the Jungle Juice.
What’s It Called: Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Plantation O.F.T.D Overproof, Campari, Pineapple Puree, Lime Juice and Demerara Syrup.
Hours: Mondays-Sundays: 5pm-1am
Address: 47, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: The Rum Bar KL
Tel: 03-2110 3678
Update: The previous section has been amended to reflect some changes as told to us by The Rum Bar.
9. IKKI
Need more tropical flavour explosions? IKKI has you sorted. Sip on their Jungle Parrot as you nibble on their highly recommended applewood-smoked cream cheese snack.
Combining homemade vanilla rose syrup and fresh citrus mix with the usual Jungle Bird recipe, their spin off gives off a pleasant floral scent and smooth finish.
What’s It Called: Jungle Parrot
What’s In It: Cruzan, Campari, fresh pineapple juice. Homemade vanilla rose syrup and fresh citrus mix)
Hours: Mondays-Thursdays: 6pm-1am; Fridays-Sundays: 6pm-2am
Address: Unit E-1-08, First Floor, No.438 Jalan Tun Razak, TREC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: IKKI KL
Tel: 03-6151 8581
10. Cantaloupe Bar
A common assumption about fruity cocktails is that they have to be either sickly sweet or are simply tasteless. However, sometimes these cocktails can also have a tangy flavour profile to it.
If you’re one of those who LOVES indulging in sour treats, the Jungle Bird at Cantaloupe would be for you. Their higher lime to pineapple ratio results in a zesty cocktail.
Bright and tart but well-balanced with the distinct bitterness of Campari, this sounds like one refreshing drink for this heatwave!
What’s It Called: Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Rum, Campari, pineapple juice and lime.
Hours: Mondays-Saturdays: 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm; Sundays: 6pm-10.30pm
Address: Level 23a, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Cantaloupe Bar
Tel: 03-2162 0886
11. Marini’s on 57
Signature cocktails, premium champagnes, exclusive wines, extensive cigars and an expansive view of the city, Marini’s on 57 is your notable atas bar (literally and figuratively). Branded as Malaysia’s most iconic rooftop bar, they have an ultra chic rooftop bar with floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing the best views of the city.
We can totally imagine watching the sunset together with a loved one here, sipping on a Classic Jungle Bird while discussing human mortality and life.
Or you could grab your best gal pals and spam Instagram photos with pretty cocktails in hand during their W-Night every Wednesday!
What’s It Called: The Jungle Bird
What’s In It: Dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, simple syrup with a zest of lime juice.
Hours: Sundays-Thursdays: 3pm-1.30am; Fridays-Saturdays: 3pm-3am
Address: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Marini’s on 57
Tel: 03-2386 6030
Feature Image Credit: Jungle Bird KL & Kenshin
